In 2020, in conjunction with the food court renovation, we arranged a live performance schedule in collaboration with AEON Mall. That year, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced performance opportunities for musicians, and any events that took place had to be planned and delivered with great care and caution.
This event was originally scheduled to take place during Golden Week, but due to the state of emergency, it was unavoidably postponed until summer. Despite these challenges, we were grateful to see the event successfully brought to completion.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the sound engineers and facility staff who carefully supported the progress toward the event under such circumstances. In preparation for the Obon holiday period, the performances were held over four days, spread across weekends.
August 8, 2020 (Sat)
In celebration of the food court renovation, I performed two 45-minute solo sets. As the space welcomed guests of all ages, the program featured a wide range of music, including pop songs and standard jazz.
Children clapped their hands and danced along, and the performance concluded with an encore request. It was a warm and uplifting atmosphere throughout the day.
Kazuma Yao
August 9, 2020 (Sun)
I provided background live music at the Sunset Mini Street Concert held in the food court of AEON Mall Sennan. As it was a three-day holiday weekend, we anticipated a wide range of visitors—from children to senior guests—so the setlist focused on nostalgic songs and familiar jazz standards that could be enjoyed by all generations.
Many people stopped to listen, and some offered warm applause. I was truly happy to be able to add a touch of live music to the dining experience, offering something extra for guests as they enjoyed their meals.
Yuri Sakino
August 15, 2020 (Sat)
As it was a Saturday afternoon, there were many families in attendance. While many guests listened casually as background music, some stopped to listen more closely and even offered applause.
Children’s songs were especially well received by families, so I was glad I had prepared them. It also seemed that live piano music itself sparked curiosity, and many children listened with great interest.
Kiyoshi Kanamaru
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August 16, 2020 (Sun)
The food court was lively with a wide range of visitors, including children, students, families, and senior guests. The tables were spaced generously, and many people spent a relaxing afternoon enjoying meals or tea time.
When the live performance began, some guests responded with applause and hand clapping. Others smiled in our direction, paused their meals to listen, or even came over to say they enjoyed the music. Being able to perform while directly seeing the audience’s reactions was a truly joyful experience.
Takuro Yamashita
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Although this was a solo performance using backing tracks, the program was carefully designed to suit the atmosphere of the day. It included intimate pieces accompanied by piano, upbeat jazz numbers featuring rhythm sections such as drums and bass, and refreshing bossa nova arrangements. By observing the mood of the audience, I prepared nearly 100 songs to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Switching between clarinet and saxophone, I selected about 30 songs and performed them across two separate sets. While music today can be enjoyed anytime and anywhere through earphones, I believe the audience was able to truly feel the unique appeal of live music enjoyed without earphones.
Good sound that makes people turn around, expressive facial expressions, the tone of the MC’s voice, body movements, and even subtle footwork—especially in a unique space like a food court, I made a conscious effort to deliver a performance that would leave a strong and lasting impression on the audience.
